No fewer than 12 armed bandits have been neutralised in a coordinated security operation carried out by a joint team of the military, police, and local vigilante groups in the Kurfi-Safana axis of Katsina State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Muazu, on Thursday.
According to the commissioner, the security operation was launched following intelligence reports received in the early hours of the day, prompting swift mobilization by the joint security forces to counter the bandit threat in the region.
“Armed bandits attacked Rahamawa village via Kuraye District in Charanchi Local Government Area at approximately 5:40 a.m., severely injuring 60-year-old Alhaji Danmalam and rustling 22 cattle from the community,” Muazu stated.
In response, he said, a combined patrol team consisting of police officers, soldiers, community watch members, and vigilantes pursued the assailants and engaged them in a fierce gun duel at Dutsen Falale, a known hideout within the Kurfi-Safana enclave.
“The coordinated operation resulted in the elimination of twelve bandits and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, along with all the twenty-two rustled cattle,” the statement added.
While lauding the success of the operation, Muazu also acknowledged the casualties recorded in the line of duty.
“While celebrating this decisive victory against criminal elements, we mourn the loss of one brave vigilante who paid the ultimate price defending his community,” he said.
He further noted that one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and is currently receiving treatment, while the earlier victim of the bandit attack, Alhaji Danmalam, sadly passed away from injuries sustained during the assault.
Muazu said, the outcome of the operation as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Katsina State Government and its security personnel to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
